A Fresenius Medical Care North America dialysis center in Bessemer, Ala that was recently shut down after two dialysis patients died and others were hospitalized due to infection-related illnesses, was also cited in a report a year ago by the state health department for infection-control deficiencies that included a case where a patient was hospitalized, AL.com reports. The Bessemer Kidney Center is one of a dozen dialysis centers in Alabama owned by Fresenius Medical Care North America that have been cited for deficiencies in the past two years, according to AL.com. The majority of the citations were for deficiencies related to infection control, disinfection, hand washing and glove use.
"We are currently in the midst of an investigation with the assistance of the CDC and the Fresenius corporate professionals. When the investigation is complete, we will have a statement," a representative from Alabama Department of Public Health told NN&I.
Fresenius spokesperson Kent Jarrell said the state Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were called in to investigate the incidences before the dialysis provider shut down the 36-station dialysis clinic on May 8. Jarrell said it remains unclear what the cause or type of infection the dialysis patients incurred and when the clinic would reopen.
Dr. Paul Frymoyer is a nephrologist based in Manlius, New York. Find links to other health-related stories in this Twitter page.
